Christmas at the Grand Canyon
If you’ve been on a river trip or rim tour with us, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Each day of that adventure felt like unwrapping a new gift. Every bend of the river revealed another stunning vista, every new overlook provided a fresh perspective of the canyon’s awe-inspiring beauty.
As a child, one of my favorite nights of the entire year was Christmas Eve. It was a special time when my family would turn the lights and music down low, light some candles, and gather together to read the Christmas story from the Bible. The simple act of reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas was always a powerful moment. Afterward, we would head to bed, filled with peace, joy, and anticipation for what the next morning would bring.
I’d like to say we’d all fall asleep quickly, but that was far from the truth. As a young boy, lying in bed and staring at the small strand of Christmas lights twinkling in my bedroom window, I could barely contain the excitement. The anticipation of Christmas morning was all I could think about. The vision of new gifts—both given and received—was intertwined with thoughts of family, food, and the joy of the season. It was a feeling of excitement that made it hard to sleep.
I had that same feeling of excitement the night before my first Grand Canyon river trip, nearly 10 years ago. But rather than sugar plums filling my head, it was the anticipation of the unknown. We were about to venture down the grandest canyon on earth for a seven-day adventure. What would we discover along the way? What incredible sights and experiences lay ahead? The feeling was very much like Christmas morning—the thrill of something amazing awaiting us, but in a completely new and unfamiliar setting.
If you’ve been on a river trip or rim tour with us, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Each day of that adventure felt like unwrapping a new gift. Every bend of the river revealed another stunning vista, every new overlook provided a fresh perspective of the canyon’s awe-inspiring beauty. The starry lights of the canyon at night were like a celestial Christmas tree, each star a twinkling reminder of God’s majesty. And, just as importantly, the time shared with our incredible guides and fellow adventurers created memories that last a lifetime.
Every day at the Grand Canyon is Christmas morning.
At Canyon Ministries, we’ve been so blessed to share this amazing place and its beauty with so many people over the years. You are part of our Canyon Ministries family, and for that, we are deeply grateful. It is because of your support and your faith that we can continue to spread the message of God’s creation, the Gospel, and the majesty of the Grand Canyon.
As we look to the future, we want to share our vision for what’s next for Canyon Ministries. We are passionate about continuing to serve as a VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS, reaching more people with the truth of God’s Word and the power of His creation. And we believe there are even more exciting opportunities ahead. We have big plans to expand our reach, deepen our educational offerings, and increase the number of people we can bring to the Grand Canyon for life-changing tours and experiences.
If Canyon Ministries has made a meaningful impact on you, I invite you to be a part of this exciting vision for the future. Click here to learn more about our 2021 vision and how YOU can play a role in being a part of this incredible journey. We believe God is calling us to reach even more people with the message of His creation and the truth of the Gospel, and we’d love for you to be a part of that.
Much love, and a Merry Christmas—each and every day!
